Ban on using a hand-held mobile phone while driving isn’t the only change on NZ roads coming into force this weekend.
Transport officials are keen to ensure motorists are up to speed with the alterations to current driving laws from Sunday.
The new road rules will include bikers using headlights at all times, increased restrictions on using bus lanes, and limits on towing speeds.
“The changes cover road use by drivers, motorcycle riders, cyclists and pedestrians,” says a spokesperson from the NZ Transport Agency.
“All of the changes are being introduced to make New Zealand’s roads safer and more efficient to use.
“Poor visibility is a contributing factor in many multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes, and daytime headlamps will help make motorcycles more visible to other road users.
“And setting a nationally consistent maximum distance for special lanes makes the requirements clearer for drivers and makes enforcement easier.”
Here is a full list of the changes:
- Motorcyclists and moped riders must use headlamps or daytime running lamps during daylight hours. This requirement applies to riders of all mopeds or motorcycles made after 1 January 1980.
- Drivers crossing special vehicle lanes (i.e. bus lanes) to turn left or get to a parking space may only enter a special lane when they are less than 50 metres from where they will turn off, and that they complete the manoeuvre in the minimum length of lane necessary.
- Drivers must give way to pedestrians who are ‘obviously waiting’ to cross at a pedestrian crossing (the current requirement is to give way to pedestrians on a crossing).
- Vehicles towing another vehicle without a rigid towing system (i.e. using a tow rope) will be limited to a maximum of 50km/h
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